Webb and Pemberton strikes send Royston through to second round of League Cup

ROYSTON’S Youth team progressed to the second round of the Ridgeons League Cup on Wednesday night with a 2-1 win against Sudbury-based Cornard United.

The visitors started the better and two sides and fine saves from U16s ‘keeper Owen Bentley and a goal line clearance from Dan Plumb kept the scores level but as the half wore on Royston began to stamp their authority on the match.

New signing Ollie Pemberton fired over from close range while Marvin Luzinda headed a corner straight at ‘keeper from eight yards out. Ryan Webb also hit a scorching 20-yard effort against the crossbar as Royston continually threatened.

The Crows deservedly went ahead on 35 minutes when a quick break down the right saw Luke Hennessey beat the full back for pace and cross for Ryan Webb to score from eight yards.

Straight from kick-off a poor back pass let in the lively Cornard striker who hit a post but the visitors weren’t to be denied and scored on 41 minutes after a swift counter-attack.

Royston returned after half time and controlled the majority of the play and created the best openings.

Full-back Matt Brennan hit a fantastic 25-yard strike against the crossbar while Tom Spencer headed a corner just wide. Luke Hennessey should have got his name on the scoresheet after running clean through only to be denied by the ‘keeper.

The winning goal came in strange circumstances on 70 minutes when Pemberton’s corner curled into the six yard box and dropped inside the far post without anyone touching it.

Royston held on relatively comfortably without any nervous moments and with a little more care could have made the scoreline more emphatic as they await the second round draw next week.